Seated exercise device

ABSTRACT

A seated exercise device comprising a body portion having a continuous side wall and a support surface, wherein the support surface is sized and shaped to receive a foot of a user; a grip portion attached to the support surface, wherein the grip portion is constructed from a traction material providing traction to the foot during operation; and a reversible floor portion removably attached to the body portion via an attachment means, wherein the reversible floor portion includes a base member having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a first at least one floor slider and the second side includes a second at least one floor slider.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/328,980, filed on Apr. 28, 2016 entitled “Seated Exercise Device”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety at least by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to exercise devices, and more particularly to a seated exercise device.

2. Description of Related Art

The present invention generally relates to exercise devices, and more particularly to a seated exercise device. It is generally known that the human body is designed for regular movement, but it is common for a typical person to spend 9 to 10 hours a day sitting. Long hours of sitting can be linked to several heath concerns, including but not limited to heart disease, diabetes, cancers, obesity, and leg conditions. Consequently, there is a need to for a seated exercise device allowing users to stay active, and improve their health while in a seated position.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention a seated exercise device is provided, comprising a seated exercise device comprising a body portion having a continuous side wall and a support surface, wherein the support surface is sized and shaped to receive a foot of a user; a grip portion attached to the support surface, wherein the grip portion is constructed from a traction material providing traction to the foot during operation; and a reversible floor portion removably attached to the body portion via an attachment means, wherein the reversible floor portion includes a base member having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a first at least one floor slider and the second side includes a second at least one floor slider.

In one embodiment, the first at least one floor slider is a first pair of floor sliders and the second at least one floor slider is a second pair of floor sliders. In one embodiment, each of first and second pair of floor sliders includes a circular cutout providing space to access the attachment means. In another embodiment, the first at least one floor slider is constructed from a low friction polymer configured for operation on a carpeted surface. In one embodiment, the low friction polymer is Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In one embodiment, the second at least one floor slider is constructed from a fabric material configured for operation on a hard surface. In one embodiment, the traction material is rubber. In another embodiment, the traction material is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

In one embodiment, the body portion includes a retaining lip located on the perimeter of the support surface to retain the grip portion. In one embodiment, the grip portion includes a rectangular cutout in a center section of the grip portion, wherein the rectangular cutout allows an identifying mark included on the support surface of the body portion to be visible. In one embodiment, the body portion and base portion are constructed from a plastic material. In another embodiment, the body portion includes a plurality of cavities and structural support. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of cavities provide containment for an optional activity tracker and at least one optional weight. In one embodiment, the optional activity tracker provides the user with a plurality of fitness data generated from operation. In another embodiment, the least one optional weight provides resistance during operation.

In another aspect of the invention a method is provided comprising steps (a) providing a seat on a floor surface, wherein the seat is configured to receive a user in a seated position; (b) placing a first foot of the user on a first seated exercise device, wherein the first seated exercise device comprises a first body portion having a first continuous side wall, a first support surface, and a first plurality of cavities; a first grip portion attached to the first support surface, wherein the first grip portion is constructed from a first traction material providing traction to the first foot during operation; and a first reversible floor portion removably attached to the first body portion via a first attachment means, wherein the first reversible floor portion includes a first base member having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a first at least one floor slider constructed from a low friction polymer and the second side includes a second at least one floor slider constructed from a fabric material; (c) placing a second foot of the user on a second seated exercise device, wherein the second seated exercise device comprises a second body portion having a second continuous side wall, a second support surface, and a second plurality of cavities; a second grip portion attached to the second support surface, wherein the second grip portion is constructed from a second traction material providing traction to the second foot during operation; and a second reversible floor portion removably attached to the second body portion via a second attachment means, wherein the second reversible floor portion includes a second base member having a third side and a fourth side, wherein the third side includes a third at least one floor slider constructed from the low friction polymer and the fourth side includes a fourth at least one floor slider constructed from the fabric material; and (d) moving the first and the second seated exercise device in a plurality of directions to improve blood circulation of the user.

In one embodiment, a further step is provided, placing an optional activity tracker in a cavity of the first and/or second plurality of cavities, wherein the optional activity tracker provides the user with a plurality of fitness data generated from step (d). In one embodiment, a further step is provided, placing at least one optional weight in the first and/or second plurality of cavities, wherein the at least one optional weight provides resistance during operation. In one embodiment, in step (b) the first reversible floor portion is configured depending on the floor surface, wherein the first side is used when the floor surface is carpet and the second side is used when the floor surface is a hard surface. In one embodiment, in step (c), the second reversible floor portion is configured depending on the floor surface, wherein the third side is used when the floor surface is carpet and the fourth side is used when the floor surface is a hard surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a seated exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of a seated exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a side perspective view of a seated exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a seated exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is rear perspective view of a body portion of a seated exercise device including installed optional components according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide a seated exercise device.

FIGS. 1A-C are perspective views of a seated exercise device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The seated exercise device comprises a body portion 101, a grip portion 102, and a reversible floor portion 106. The body portion is comprised of an hourglass shape having a support surface 115 and a continuous side wall 116, wherein the body portion is configured to hold both the grip portion and the reversible floor portion. It should be understood that the shape of the body portion may be modified, without departing from the spirit of the invention. In one embodiment, the support surface is sized and shaped to receive a foot of a user. In one embodiment, the body portion is constructed from a plastic material, such as polypropylene. In alternative embodiments, the body portion is made of a metal.

In one embodiment, the grip portion is constructed from a rubber material, providing traction for a user during use. Although rubber is preferred, it is understood that a similar material may be used to provide grip and traction, including but not limited to thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The grip portion is sized and shaped to be received in the body potion. A retaining lip 112 (FIG. 2) located on the perimeter of the support surface helps retain the grip portion. In one embodiment, the grip portion may be attached to the support surface of the body portion using any adhesion method known in the art. The grip portion includes a rectangular cutout 103 in a center section of the grip portion. The rectangular cutout allows an insignia, logo, symbol or other identifying mark 104 included on the support surface of the body portion to be visible. A specific identifying mark is not illustrated, but it is understood that the identifying mark, such as a product name or a company name may be present. In one embodiment, the grip portion does not include the rectangular cutout, and the grip portion is covers the entirety of the support surface.

The reversible floor portion includes a base member 117 having a first 118 and second side 119 (FIG. 2) respectively. In one embodiment, the base member is constructed from a plastic material, such as polypropylene. In alternative embodiments, the base memeber is made of a metal. The base member may be reversed by the user to access features and elements on the second side. The first side of the base member includes a first pair of floor sliders 107; each of the first pair of floor sliders is sized to fit their respective locations (as illustrated) on the reversible floor portion. The reversible floor portion is configured to be attached to the body portion via attachment clips 105 positioned the continuous side wall of the body portion. Each of the pair of floor sliders includes a first circular cutout allowing the user to access the attachment clips. Although, a specific attachment means is disclosed, it is understood that any type of attachment means may be provided including but not limited to a threaded connection, hardware, or any attachment means known in the art.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the seated exercise device of FIG. 1. Now referring to FIG. 2, the reversible slider and the second side is illustrated. The second size of the base member includes a second pair of floor sliders 109; each of the second pair of floor sliders is sized to fit their respective locations (as illustrated) on the reversible floor portion. Similarly to the first pair of floor sliders, each of the second pair of floor sliders includes a second circular cutout 110 allowing the user to access the attachment clips. On the first side, each of the first pair of floor sliders is constructed from a low friction polymer. The first side and corresponding first pair of floor sliders are ideal for use on carpeted surfaces. In one embodiment, the low friction polymer is Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon. On the second side, each of the second pair of floor sliders is constructed from a fabric material. The second side and corresponding second pair of floor sliders are ideal for use on hard surface, such as hard wood flooring and tile. In one embodiment, the fabric material is wool, felt, cloth, or a similar fabric material. The operation and use of the seated exercise device will be discussed in greater detail below.

It should be understood, that in alternative embodiments, the first and/or second side can include only one floor slider. In the various embodiments described, the size of the floor sliders may vary, including the amount of space occupied on the base number. For example, in one embodiment, a single floor slider or a pair of floor sliders may occupy a majority of the base member, such as 90%. In other embodiments, a single floor slider or a pair of floor sliders may occupy approximately half of the base member, or close to 50%. Generally, since the floor slider or pair of floor sliders are the components of the seated exercise device that make physical contact with a floor surface, it is preferred that the single floor slider or a pair of floor sliders occupy at least 50% of the base member. Ideally, the amount of space that the single floor slider or a pair of floor sliders occupy on the base number should be consistent between the first and second side of the base member, however it is understood that the occupying percentage may vary from the first side to the second side.

FIG. 3 is rear perspective view of the body portion of the seated exercise device. Referring now to FIG. 3, the body portion includes a plurality of cavities 112 and structural support 113. The plurality of cavities includes interior cavities providing containment for an optional activity tracker 111 and optional weights 114. The activity tracker is optional, and is intended to be removed from the housing for accessing fitness data and for charging purposes. The activity tracker provides the user with fitness data generated from use. In alterative embodiments, a charging and data transfer means may be provide on the continuous side wall body portion preventing the user from having to remove the activity tracker for data and charging purposes. The activity tracker includes a number of electrical components including but not limited to a printed circuit board, LEDs, accelerometer, gyroscope, rechargeable battery, coin buzzer, and other components. In one embodiment, a micro USB port is provided allowing the user to access any recorded data or charge the rechargeable battery. In alternative embodiments, the fitness tracker includes wireless connectivity allowing users to connect with the fitness tracker to access the data without physically removing the tracker. In some embodiment, the fitness tracker is linked with a web application, or mobile application providing a user interface to access the fitness data. The fitness data may include the movement of the device over a specific time interval, the speed of the movement, type of the movement (rotational or linear), and calorie burn based on user metrics.

In one embodiment, the optional weights may be added if a user desires to add more resistance during operation. The weights may be positioned in the interior cavities requiring more effort to move the seated exercise device during use. This configuration is a form of strength training as well known in the art. Although two optional weights are illustrated, it is understood that the amount of weights may vary, as well as the number of cavities in the plurality of cavities. The seated exercise device is intended to be used in pairs, i.e. one device per foot. It is recommended to operate the device while seated, such as at a desk during working hours. It is a particular advantage of the seated exercise device to be used discreetly, without hindering the ability to do common work tasks, such as speaking on the phone, writing emails, etc. This is an advantage over bulky exercises devices such as treadmill desks and desk cycles.

In operation, a user simply places each foot on a single seated exercise device, then moves the devices in random directions, including linear motions, circular, figure eight, or small rotations and wiggles. It is intended for the user to do what feels natural allowing their legs to be in constant motion, improving blood circulation and minimizing the detrimental effects of being seating for long time periods. The seated exercises devices may be used with any type of shoe, sock, or be operated barefoot. In some embodiments, the device may be used without the activity tracker. In alternative embodiment, the activity tracker may only be provided in one of the two devices.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, the body portion may be constructed from a substantially circular shape, providing an advantageous weight distribution of components allowing the device to be easily moved in any direction during use regardless of orientation.

It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A seated exercise device comprising: a body portion having a continuous side wall and a support surface, wherein the support surface is sized and shaped to receive a foot of a user; a grip portion attached to the support surface, wherein the grip portion is constructed from a traction material providing traction to the foot during operation; and a reversible floor portion removably attached to the body portion via an attachment means, wherein the reversible floor portion includes a base member having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a first at least one floor slider and the second side includes a second at least one floor slider.
 2. The seated exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first at least one floor slider is a first pair of floor sliders and the second at least one floor slider is a second pair of floor sliders.
 3. The seated exercise device of claim 2, wherein each of first and second pair of floor sliders includes a circular cutout providing space to access the attachment means.
 4. The seated exercise device of claim 2, wherein the first at least one floor slider is constructed from a low friction polymer configured for operation on a carpeted surface.
 5. The seated exercise device of claim 4, wherein the low friction polymer is Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
 6. The seated exercise device of claim 2, wherein the second at least one floor slider is constructed from a fabric material configured for operation on a hard surface.
 7. The seated exercise device of claim 1, wherein the traction material is rubber.
 8. The seated exercise device of claim 1, wherein the traction material is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
 9. The seated exercise device of claim 1, wherein the body portion includes a retaining lip located on the perimeter of the support surface to retain the grip portion.
 10. The seated exercise device of claim 1, wherein the grip portion includes a rectangular cutout in a center section of the grip portion, wherein the rectangular cutout allows an identifying mark included on the support surface of the body portion to be visible.
 11. The seated exercise device of claim 1, wherein the body portion and base portion are constructed from a plastic material.
 12. The seated exercise device of claim 1, wherein the body portion includes a plurality of cavities and structural support.
 13. The seated exercise device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of cavities provide containment for an optional activity tracker and at least one optional weight.
 14. The seated exercise device of claim 13, wherein the optional activity tracker provides the user with a plurality of fitness data generated from operation.
 15. The seated exercise device of claim 12, wherein the least one optional weight provides resistance during operation.
 16. A method comprising steps: (a) providing a seat on a floor surface, wherein the seat is configured to receive a user in a seated position; (b) placing a first foot of the user on a first seated exercise device, wherein the first seated exercise device comprises a first body portion having a first continuous side wall, a first support surface, and a first plurality of cavities; a first grip portion attached to the first support surface, wherein the first grip portion is constructed from a first traction material providing traction to the first foot during operation; and a first reversible floor portion removably attached to the first body portion via a first attachment means, wherein the first reversible floor portion includes a first base member having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a first at least one floor slider constructed from a low friction polymer and the second side includes a second at least one floor slider constructed from a fabric material; (c) placing a second foot of the user on a second seated exercise device, wherein the second seated exercise device comprises a second body portion having a second continuous side wall, a second support surface, and a second plurality of cavities; a second grip portion attached to the second support surface, wherein the second grip portion is constructed from a second traction material providing traction to the second foot during operation; and a second reversible floor portion removably attached to the second body portion via a second attachment means, wherein the second reversible floor portion includes a second base member having a third side and a fourth side, wherein the third side includes a third at least one floor slider constructed from the low friction polymer and the fourth side includes a fourth at least one floor slider constructed from the fabric material; and (d) moving the first and the second seated exercise device in a plurality of directions to improve blood circulation of the user.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising a step of placing an optional activity tracker in a cavity of the first and/or second plurality of cavities, wherein the optional activity tracker provides the user with a plurality of fitness data generated from step (d).
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising a step of placing at least one optional weight in the first and/or second plurality of cavities, wherein the at least one optional weight provides resistance during operation.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein in step (b), the first reversible floor portion is configured depending on the floor surface, wherein the first side is used when the floor surface is carpet and the second side is used when the floor surface is a hard surface.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein in step (c), the second reversible floor portion is configured depending on the floor surface, wherein the third side is used when the floor surface is carpet and the fourth side is used when the floor surface is a hard surface. 